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Overview

Dueling and to a lesser extent brawling is considered to be an appropriate method of resolving a conflict when there is no way of avoiding it. It is seen as an essential tradition which is valuable for it's ability to reduce tension in a community. All levels of society perform it. Once a duel has been conducted it is highly improper, illegal even in most cases, to pursue a disagreement further.

Duels are handled formally. A challenge is issued in person and backed up by advising an arbitrator. This arbitrator has to be someone in a position of authority but details here are vague. It could be a judge, duel arbitrator, ruler or even respected healer depending on the circumstances. It is the arbitrators responsibility to ensure that all rules are followed and that the relevant authorities are made aware of the duel. The arbitrator is also allowed to order a break in the duel whenever he views it has gotten out of hand. This is where 'seconds' come in. The job of a second is to step in and defend their duelist from the other side IF the arbitrator calls for a halt. In some areas there are professional duel arbitrators who can supply such assistance and indeed may have access to duelists for hire too.

Duel of Trial

An arbitrator sets a challenge and he/she who succeeds in the challenge first is the victor. These can be either great or small depending on the insult given.

Act of Reparation

In this case the transgressor offers to give the one they have transgressed some form of compensation as negotiated and agreed by an arbitrator. Where the traditional duel setting has been invoked this is the best way to get out of it. It is seen as admitting guilt.

Duel of Swords

The two disagreeing parties agree to meet each other for a match to first blood or first yield/down (as agreed prior to the match) They are allowed to bring in proxies (who they may pay) and indeed in large cities there are duelists who make their living by standing in for others in dueling situations. This type of duel always requires the legal bodies (usually the council nominated Justice) to be notified. When a fully approved duel of swords is handled correctly a death is not considered to be illegal.

Duel of Words

This is in essence a rule heavy argument over the matter in question or a subject which the two agree to use as their 'weapon'. It is not required that the argument put be correct only that it is the better of the two. It is arbitrated and both agree that the winner of the duel is the winner of the dispute. The duel of words is considered, in most places, the most superior of all duels.

Brawling

Although brawling is not strictly a "duel" it is ruled by a set of rules of behaviour and viewed in a similar way. A brawl is considered to have happened when two (or more) people are involved in an unarmed fight which everyone agrees was a brawl and not an assault. Brawls are considered to be a good means of resolving issues when things escalate to violence and bystanders do their best not to interfere. Like with a formalised duel pursuing an issue that caused a brawl after the fight has ended is highly improper.